What Happens After Filing for Divorce in Glendale?
Overview: Filing is just the first step
Filing for divorce with the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Glendale gets the ball rolling. After you file electronically, you will receive a case number and filed copies digitally. That is important, but it is only the beginning. What you do next determines whether your case moves forward smoothly or stalls for months.
Step 1: Serve your spouse correctly
Serving your spouse is the next critical step. How service is completed affects timing and the validity of your case.
- Cooperative spouse: If your spouse is willing to cooperate, they can sign a notice of acknowledgement and receipt. This makes service simple and quick.
- Uncooperative spouse: If they will not sign, you must complete personal service. Personal service must meet court rules, so it should be done properly to avoid delays.
- Proof of service: After service, file the appropriate proof with the court so the case record reflects that your spouse has been served.
When does the six-month waiting period start?
The six-month waiting period begins after your spouse is served, not when you file.
This is a mandatory waiting period under California law. The clock does not start when you submit your initial paperwork; it starts when service is complete. That waiting period allows time for negotiations, disclosure, and any necessary court procedures. To avoid prolonging the process, make sure all required steps are completed within that timeframe.
Mandatory financial disclosures: exchange early and complete them carefully
Both spouses must exchange full financial disclosures. These are not optional, even in amicable situations. Disclosures typically include:
- Assets and property
- Debts and liabilities
- Income and employment information
Failing to exchange accurate disclosures can stall your case. Courts expect transparency so that agreements and final judgments are based on complete information.
How incomplete steps can stall your divorce
Missing any required step—improper service, failure to file proof of service, or incomplete financial disclosures—can put your case on hold. The result is delays, extra expense, and more stress for both parties. Even when couples are on good terms, skipping disclosures or doing service incorrectly often leads to the exact outcome they were trying to avoid.
Real-life example: how we got a stalled Glendale case moving
Here is a recent example from our practice. A Glendale couple filed their divorce but never completed proper service or the financial disclosures. Their case sat idle for months. Once they hired us, we handled the missing elements, filed the required documents, and moved the case forward. The divorce was finalized within weeks after we stepped in.
What we handle for you
We provide a full-service, flat-fee Divorce661 solution so you do not have to figure out each step on your own. After filing, we can take care of everything, including:
- Proper service or obtaining a signed acknowledgement of receipt
- Preparing and exchanging financial disclosures
- Drafting agreements and preparing documents for judgment
- Handling all post-filing steps remotely so you do not need to attend court in person
Why choose a flat-fee, full-service approach
A flat-fee, full-service path removes uncertainty and surprises. You know the cost up front, and you have professionals making sure deadlines and procedures are met. Remote handling saves time and reduces stress while ensuring the paperwork is correct and filed properly.
Next steps
If you have already filed and are not sure what to do next, schedule a free consultation at divorce661.com. We will step in, clean up any missing or incorrect steps, and help you finalize your Glendale divorce quickly and correctly.
Quick checklist after filing in Glendale
- Confirm you received your case number and filed copies from the court.
- Serve your spouse correctly or get a signed acknowledgement of receipt.
- File proof of service with the court.
- Prepare and exchange full financial disclosures: assets, debts, and income.
- Track the six-month waiting period starting from the date of service.
- If anything is incomplete or stalled, get professional help to avoid delays.
Final thought
Filing your divorce in Glendale is an important first step, but the work that follows determines how quickly and cleanly your case will conclude. Take service and disclosures seriously. If you need help completing the process right, schedule a free consultation at divorce661.com and let us guide you to a timely final judgment.